David Tyree knows a thing or two about big moments. His helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII didn’t just help the Giants take down the undefeated Patriots - it became one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. So when he speaks, especially about the Giants, people listen.
This week, Tyree made waves with his appearance on the Blue Rush podcast, where he weighed in on the team’s current quarterback situation - specifically, the health and future of rookie Jaxson Dart. And let’s just say, Tyree didn’t hold back.
Tyree to Giants: Protect the Franchise
Tyree’s message was clear: shut Jaxson Dart down for the rest of the season.
“So sit Jaxson Dart’s behind down, so he can be the future of the franchise,” Tyree said.
It’s a bold statement, especially considering Dart is back under center after missing time with a concussion in Week 10. He returned in Week 13, but it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing since. He took a punishing hit from Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, then found himself in the medical tent again the following week - another concussion scare that raised red flags for fans and analysts alike.
Tyree’s concern isn’t just about the hits Dart is taking - it’s about the long-term investment. This is the guy the Giants are building around. So why risk him in games that, frankly, don’t move the needle in December?
Enter Jameis Winston: The Case for the Backup
While Tyree didn’t dive deep into Dart’s medical history, he did spend a good chunk of time advocating for Jameis Winston - and not without reason.
Winston stepped in while Dart was sidelined, and while the Giants didn’t notch a win in either of his two starts, the veteran QB brought energy and unpredictability to the offense. He threw for 567 yards, tossed two touchdowns, and even caught a 33-yard touchdown pass in one of the wildest plays of the season.
That’s right - Winston, the quarterback, caught a touchdown.
It’s the kind of spark you don’t expect from a backup, but Winston delivered. And while he’s not the long-term answer, Tyree sees him as the short-term solution that allows the Giants to protect their future.
The Risk-Reward Equation
Here’s where it gets tricky. Dart needs reps.
Every snap, every read, every mistake - it’s all part of the process for a young quarterback trying to find his footing in the NFL. Sitting him might protect his body, but it also slows his development.
There’s no substitute for game speed. And while no one wants to see a promising rookie take unnecessary punishment, you also don’t want to keep him in bubble wrap.
If the Giants are going to build around Dart, they need to know what they have. That only happens if he plays.
But Tyree’s not wrong to raise the alarm. Dart’s taken some serious shots, and the medical scares are piling up. At some point, the team has to ask: are we helping him grow, or are we putting him at risk?
What’s the Right Move?
There’s no easy answer here. On one hand, the Giants aren’t playing for a playoff spot - so the games don’t carry much weight in the standings. On the other, every snap matters when you’re grooming a franchise quarterback.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. The Giants can manage Dart’s workload, adjust protections, and emphasize quicker throws to keep him upright.
But pulling the plug on his season entirely? That feels like an overcorrection.
Two things can be true at once: Dart has to be smarter about the hits he takes, and the Giants need to be smarter about how they protect him. But if the goal is to build something sustainable, shutting him down now sends the wrong message - to Dart, to the team, and to the fans.
Because if you treat your quarterback like he’s made of glass, you may never find out what he’s really made of.